Annie Genevard: France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty

Paris, 9 January 2026 – Annie Genevard is a prominent French politician serving as Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty in the successive governments of Prime Ministers Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu. Born in 1956, she has held key positions in French politics, including as a deputy, mayor, and party leader within The Republicans.

Early Life and Education

Annie Marguerite Alice Genevard, née Tharin, was born on 7 September 1956 in Audincourt, in the Doubs department of Franche-Comté. She is the daughter of Irène Tharin, a former deputy and mayor, and Bernard Tharin, a businessman. Her family has Italian roots through her grandmother, who was a communist immigrant threatened in Italy for her beliefs. Genevard studied classical literature and became a certified teacher, teaching French and Latin at Lycée Edgar-Faure in Morteau. She is married to Dominique Genevard, a pharmacist, and has two daughters, Camille and Clémence.

Political Career

Genevard entered politics in 1995, joining the municipal council in Morteau as an adjunct to the mayor, focusing on cultural affairs. She joined the Rally for the Republic (RPR) in 1996, which later became the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and then The Republicans (LR). In 2002, she was elected mayor of Morteau, a position she held until 2017, winning re-election in 2008 and 2014. She also served as a regional councillor in Franche-Comté from 2004 to 2012 and was involved in various associations, including the Association of French Mayors.

Elected to the National Assembly in 2012, representing the 5th constituency of Doubs, she succeeded Jean-Marie Binetruy. She has been re-elected multiple times, serving as a vice-president of the National Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and again in 2024. Within LR, she held roles such as secretary-general under Laurent Wauquiez and Éric Ciotti, and acted as interim party leader in 2022. She supported François Fillon in the 2017 presidential primary and endorsed Valérie Pécresse in 2022.

Key Facts

Government Role and Policies

Appointed minister in September 2024, Genevard oversees agriculture, agro-alimentary sectors, and food sovereignty. She has focused on supporting farmers amid crises, including epizootics and environmental pressures. Her policies emphasise food sovereignty, reducing administrative burdens, and balancing agriculture with environmental concerns. She has advocated for measures like indemnifying farmers for livestock losses and promoting vaccination against diseases. Genevard has been involved in debates on pesticides, opposing what she calls “punitive ecology” while supporting derogations for struggling sectors. She has also pushed for the adoption of the “Duplomb-Menonville” law to ease constraints on farmers.

Controversies and Positions

Genevard holds conservative views on social issues, opposing same-sex marriage in 2013 and abstaining on abortion rights in 2024. She has called for investigations into anti-Christian acts and proposed regulating screen time for young children. In agriculture, she has faced criticism from environmental groups for her stance on pesticides and opposition to the Mercosur trade deal. Despite this, she maintains strong ties with major farming unions like the FNSEA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Annie Genevard’s role in the French government?

She is the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, responsible for policies on farming, food production, and ensuring France’s self-sufficiency in food.

Has she held other political positions?

Yes, including mayor of Morteau, deputy in the National Assembly, and secretary-general of The Republicans.

What are her key policy focuses?

Genevard emphasises food sovereignty, supporting farmers through crises, reducing bureaucracy, and promoting sustainable yet productive agriculture.

Is she involved in any controversies?

She has been criticised for her conservative social views and pro-farmer stances that some see as environmentally unfriendly, such as on pesticides.